"We have followed Celtic's progress and we know that we must be careful," Conte told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
"At home they will be very dangerous with their fans becoming the twelfth man on the field, but in any case they are a good team.

"We have the utmost respect for Celtic and realise the danger they pose. We studied them a lot and know they will be a physical side who get most of their goals from set pieces.

"Scott Brown is the heart and soul of the team and Gary Hooper is the kind of striker who could do very well in Italy. There are not many teams who could beat Barcelona at home and lose so narrowly away.

Conte was flanked at the gathering by captain Gigi Buffon who played down the effect that the famous Parkhead atmosphere would have on his side.

"I have played here before with Parma and Juventus," he added. "And it is a typical British atmosphere.

"We know what lies ahead. The crowd can certainly help and give a boost to the players, but only up to a certain point. As far as I'm aware, no spectator has ever scored a goal."